Proceedings Paper

A 1 kW laser capable of full depth modulation in excess of 200 kHz has been developed to satisfy a significant need within the printing plate engraving industry. The Howden Laser LE1500-OA design is based upon a 1.5 kW diffusion cooled carbon-dioxide laser converted into an oscillator-acousto- optic-modulator-amplifier configuration. A novel method is used to limit unwanted noise emissions from the high gain amplifier at the 'zero' setting. The design is being used successfully within systems manufactured by ZED Instruments Ltd to engrave flexographic printing plates at several production sites involved in packaging and label printing.